Tommy Bowe wins player of the Six Nations

Ireland winger Tommy Bowe has been named Six Nations rugby player of the year.

Bowe started all five matches and scored two tries against England and one in last weekend's surprise loss to Scotland, which prevented Ireland from taking the Triple Crown.

Bowe topped a public poll on Thursday ahead of last year's recipient and teammate Brian O'Driscoll, followed by Imanol Harinordoquy and Morgan Parra of champion France.

A panel of former internationals from all six nations submitted their top three nominations, from which the shortlist of six nominees was compiled.

Panellists included BBC Sport pundits Keith Wood, Raphaël Ibañez and Jonathan Davies, RugbyForce supporters Andy Nicol, Ieuan Evans and Jason Leonard, as well as Alessandro Moscardi.

Tommy Bowe ensured that the 6 Nations Player of the Championship Award stayed in Ireland with over 50per cent of the votes going his way - last year's winner Brian O'Driscoll received nearly 30per cent of the votes cast.

The remaining votes were dominated by 6 Nations Champions France with Imanol Harinordoquy receiving 20.9per cent and Morgan Parra with 11.5per cent of the votes.